Child Playing With Lighter Ignites Fire at Seminole Heights Home

A home at 1925 E. Crenshaw St., Tampa, received heavy damage when a fire broke out Friday, April 19 at 8:53 p.m., ignited by a child playing with a lighter.

According to Tampa Fire Rescue, firefighters arrived within five minutes and began attacking the blaze. In all, five fire engines, two rescue cars, one ladder truck and one vent truck responded. It took about 20 minutes to put the fire out.

Three small children and one woman were home at the time of the fire and were all able to get out of the house safely before firefighters arrived.

Tampa Fire Marshal investigator Chris Stone determined that one of the three children was playing with a lighter while the adult was in the shower. When she got out of the shower, she saw the smoke and flames, and quickly got everybody out of the house.

No damage estimates have been given at this time. The Red Cross will help with housing for the family of five.